New Outlook Usage Reports in Microsoft 365 Admin Center: What to Expect

In a bid to enhance organizational oversight and accountability, Microsoft is rolling out a dedicated usage reports section for the New Outlook within the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. This new feature is set to be introduced in March 2025, promising to foster a deeper understanding of how employees are migrating from the classic Outlook to the new version.

What's in Store?​

The forthcoming reports will be akin to those recently implemented for other tools like Microsoft Copilot, designed to provide administrators with key usage metrics. Here’s a closer look at what these reports will entail:

• Active User Monitoring: The reports will capture how many users have transitioned from the classic Outlook for Windows to the New Outlook for Windows. This is especially important as many organizations still heavily rely on the older version.
• Detailed Usage Metrics: Administrators will be able to track patterns and adoption rates, helping organizations better understand which parts of the new Outlook are receiving the most engagement.

According to Microsoft, this step aligns with its ongoing efforts to equip organizations with robust tools to analyze and strategize about technology use, especially in a hybrid or remote working environment where employee engagement with software can vary widely.

A Double-Edged Sword for Admins​

While the intentions behind these reports are sound, they also spell potential headaches for administrators. Many administrators have expressed frustrations online, particularly on platforms like Reddit, regarding the rapid pace of updates to the Microsoft 365 Admin Center. Keeping up with constant changes can feel overwhelming, and the addition of another reporting section might evoke a collective sigh of "What, more?"
However, the benefits of this new capability could outweigh the administrative burdens if organizations leverage these insights to drive enhanced user training and support.

Historical Context and the Road Ahead​

This is not Microsoft’s first foray into using analytics to improve user experiences. The previous introduction of usage reports for Copilot highlighted the company's commitment to data-driven decision-making within organizations. As organizational needs evolve, such tools become invaluable for assessing the adoption of new technologies.
As organizations gear up for this update, it will be crucial for IT departments to prepare training or resources to help users onboard the New Outlook efficiently. Effective communication about the transition will help mitigate resistance – making the switch not only smoother but also more productive.

Conclusion​

The upcoming usage reports section for the New Outlook arrives as another feather in Microsoft's cap, aimed at strengthening workplace productivity and software utilization. As we inch closer to its rollout in March 2025, organizations would do well to start considering how they can maximize the insights gained through these reports. After all, knowledge is power, especially when it concerns the tools that keep the engines of industry running.
In the end, as organizations adapt to constant technological evolution, holding the keys to insightful data can transform the complexities into opportunities. So, what will be your strategy for harnessing this new data? Is it merely another task, or could it become a cornerstone of your operational strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments!

---

Source: Windows Report Microsoft will add a usage reports section for the New Outlook in the 365 Admin Center